Hygienic case for protecting a mat from contaminants and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case includes a flat material and a cover. The flat material includes a liner portion and a cover portion. The liner portion has a hygienic surface and an outer surface. The hygienic surface is positionable against a user side of the mat and shaped to receive the user side of the mat thereon. The liner portion has flexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. The cover portion is connected at an end of the liner portion and is shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll. The cover fastener is positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure the cover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated from contaminants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/914,425, which was filed on Mar. 7, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/600,864, which was filed on Mar. 7, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This present disclosure relates generally to hygiene technology. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hygiene techniques for maintaining clean surfaces of items for personal use, such as mats.

Throughout their daily lives, people may be exposed to various contaminants, such as dirt, germs, chemicals, etc. In some cases, people may use cleaning devices, such as chemicals, to remove contaminants. In some other cases, people may shield themselves from exposure to such contaminants by using protective devices, such as masks, gloves, etc.

When performing physical activities, such as yoga, weightlifting, fitness training, etc., people may sit, stand, or lay on various surfaces, such as on equipment, floors, and other surfaces. During such physical activities, people may generate, or be exposed to, contaminants, such as sweat and dirt, that collect on such surfaces. People may carry towels during such physical activities to wipe these surfaces clean.

During some physical activities, mats may be placed onto surfaces to provide stability, comfort, and protection. For example, the use of yoga pilates mats may require the bottom side of the mat to rest on unclean surfaces, such as gym or studio floors, concrete, or grass. Rolling up the mat can transfer dirt, sweat, grass, et. onto the top—or clean side—of the mat.

Various devices have been developed for use with mats. For example, carriers may assist with the transport of the mats. Examples of mat devices are provided in Patent/Application Nos. US20060040811, US20120304382, US20120227181, US20130276230, and US20140068858, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Despite advancements in hygiene technology, there remains a need for protecting mats from contamination. The present disclosure is intended to provide such needs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case comprises a flat material and a cover. The flat material comprises a liner portion and a cover portion. The liner portion has a hygienic surface and an outer surface. The hygienic surface is positionable against a user side of the mat and shaped to receive the user side of the mat thereon. The liner portion has flexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. The cover portion is connected at an end of the liner portion. The cover portion shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll. The cover fastener is positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure the cover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated from contaminants.

The hygienic case may have various options: The hygienic case further comprises disposable sheets positionable between the liner portion and the mat. The hygienic surface has a surface area larger than a surface area of the mat. The cover portion is removably connected to the liner portion by a liner fastener. The liner fastener comprises a zipper. The cover fastener comprises one of a zipper, VELCRO®, straps, snaps, and/or ties. The flat material comprises a plurality of layers, each layer comprising a different material. The cover portion surrounds the tubular roll. The cover portion has lateral ends disposable about ends of the tubular roll. The lateral ends comprise one of drawstrings, snaps, and combinations thereof. The cover portion is wider than the liner portion. The hygienic case further comprising a strap and/or a pocket. The flat material comprises at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, elastomer, plastic, neoprene, moisture wicking, fitness, odor resistant, tarp, water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial material, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case comprises a flat liner, a flat cover, and a cover fastener. The flat liner comprises a hygienic layer and an outer layer. The hygienic layer is shaped to receive a user side of the mat. The liner having flexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. The flat cover is removably connected at an end of the liner, the cover comprising a protective outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is shaped to encircle the tubular roll. The protective outer layer is positioned external to the inner layer. The cover fastener is connected to the cover, the cover fastener disposable about the cover to secure the cover in a closed position about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated from contaminants.

The hygienic case further comprises disposable sheets connected to the flat liner. The disposable sheets are positionable between the liner portion and the mat. The flat cover has the same width as or larger width than the flat liner. The flat cover has lateral edges to cover ends of the tubular roll.

Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of protecting a mat. The method comprises providing a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and a cover portion, positioning a hygienic surface of the liner portion on a user side of the mat, and isolating the user side of the mat by: rolling the liner portion with the mat therein into a tubular roll, encircling the tubular roll with the cover portion by continuing rolling the tubular roll into the cover portion, and fastening the cover portion about the tubular roll. The method further comprises removably positioning disposable sheets between the liner portion and the mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the features herein can be understood in detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the examples illustrated are not to be considered limiting of its scope. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams depicting example uses of a hygienic case for protecting a mat.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views of various configurations of the hygienic case.

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic views of the hygienic case in various positions about the mat.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic top and end views of the hygienic case in a drawstring configuration in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic top and partial side views of the hygienic case in a snap configuration in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views of the hygienic case with a strap in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views of the hygienic case with disposable sheets and end caps in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views of the hygienic case with pockets and disposable sheets in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of the hygienic case in a closed position and secured with hook-and-loop fasteners. FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the tubular roll of FIG. 9A inserted into a carrier tube.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a method of protecting a mat:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible.

The present disclosure relates to a hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case may comprise a liner with a hygienic surface to receive the mat, and a cover to protect the mat and liner. The case may be in the form of a flat, single, and/or multi-layer flexible material capable of rolling up with the mat to form a tubular roll. The cover may be connected to or integral with an end of the liner to roll with the liner and surround the tubular roll.

The hygienic case seeks to provide a convenient and flexible material easily positionable for use with mats on the floor, and/or for easy roll up into a convenient transportable carrier. The hygienic case has a configuration intended to provide a hygienic (or sanitary) surface capable of isolating a user (or top) side of the mat from contaminants and contamination issues that may be present on a bottom side of the mat that is placed on potentially contaminated surfaces. This configuration is also intended to protect the user side from exposure to such contaminants, thereby maintaining a clean side for use.

The contamination may be in the form of dirt, sweat, chemical residue, germs, and/or other contaminants that may be present on surfaces where the mat is used. Such contaminants may be present on indoor and/or outdoor surfaces, such as floors (e.g., gym floors, home floors, etc.), grounds (e.g., dirt, concrete, grass, etc.), floor coverings (e.g., carpet, padding, etc.), and/or other surfaces where the mat may be placed during use, and/or on points of contact the mat encounters during transport. Such contaminants may expose users, third parties, and/or their possessions to potential damage, illness, foul odors, and/or other “contamination issues”.

The hygienic case seeks to address issues relating to contamination and cleanliness by isolating the user side of the mat from exposure. The hygienic case seeks to provide one or more of the following capabilities: easy application and rollup of the device and mat, ease of transport, flexibility, light weight, ease of storage, protection of the mat, prevention of transport of contaminants, protective surfaces, carrying means, storage capabilities, disposable features, single or multi-layers, integrated features, removable features, decorative designs, interchangeable designs, and more.

In an example, the hygienic case may be in the form of a yoga/pilates mat liner and cover with carrying strap. This liner and cover may be used for the protection and transport of yoga/pilates and/or other mats. The yoga/pilates mat liner and cover presented in this disclosure seeks to address the issue of mat cleanliness by adding a washable, protective fabric liner to a yoga pilates mat cover. As the mat is rolled, the overlying protective liner may prohibit transfer of above mentioned contaminants (debris) from the bottom (dirty) side of the mat onto the top (user or clean) side. The liner is attached to the outer cover which zippers itself closed. An adjustable strap is attached to the cover near the zipper for convenient transport of the mat.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams depicting uses of the hygienic case 102. FIG. 1A shows the hygienic case 102 during exercise. FIG. 1B shows the hygienic case 102′ during treatment.

FIG. 1A shows the hygienic case 102 in various stages I-IV-B of use with a yoga/pilates mat 104. As shown in this example, the yoga mat 104 is a flat, rectangular material used by the user 110 as a surface for exercising. The mat 104 includes a user (top) side 112 a. While a flat, rectangular mat and case are shown, various shapes or variations may be provided. A contamination (bottom) side 112 b of the yoga/pilates mat 104 faces the ground. In this example, the ground 106 may include outdoor contaminants, such as dirt, grass, bugs, leaves, etc.

In stage I of the example of FIG. 1A, the yoga/pilates mat 104 is positioned on the ground 106 in an outdoor location 108. The contamination side 112 b is positioned on the ground 106 where it is exposed to contaminants. A user 110 is positioned on the user side 112 a of the yoga/pilates mat 104 to perform yoga exercises.

In stage II, the user 110 is positioning the hygienic case 102 onto the user side 112 a of the mat 104. The hygienic case 102 includes a liner (or liner portion) 114 a and a cover (or cover portion) 114 b. As shown in this example, the hygienic case is a flat, flexible, rectangular material with the liner portion 114 a shaped to receive the mat 104. The liner 114 a has a hygienic surface 115 a on one side and a contamination surface 115 b on an opposite side thereof. The hygienic surface 115 a is positionable adjacent the user side 112 a of the mat 104. The hygienic surface 115 a may be positioned to completely cover the user side 112 a of the mat 104.

In stage III, once the hygienic case 102 is positioned on the mat 104, the user 110 rolls the mat 104 with the hygienic case 102 into a tubular roll (or assembly) 111. As also shown by this view, the liner 114 a is positioned on the mat 104 and the cover 114 b extends from an end of the liner 114 a. As the mat 104 is rolled up in the liner 114 a, the user side 112 a of the mat 104 is isolated against the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner, and the contaminated bottom 112 b of the mat 104 is rolled up against the contamination surface 115 b of the liner 114 a. The cover 114 b may also be rolled up with the tubular roll 111 and secured thereabout as is described further herein.

Stages IV-A and IV-B show storage and/or transport of the mat 104 in the tubular roll 111 (including the hygienic case 102 and the mat 104). In stage IV-A, the tubular roll 111 is positioned in a storage tube 116 and stored for future use. The tubes 116 are shown as short tubes with the tubular roll 111 extending outside of the tube, and stacked horizontally. The tubes 116 may be larger to encase the tubular rolls 111′ and stacked in other positions (e.g., vertically, at an angle, etc.). The tubes 116 may also have covers to encase the tubular rolls 111′ therein.

In stage IV-B, the tubular roll 111 is carried by the user 110. The tubular roll 111 may be positioned within a tube 116 as shown in stage IV-A, and provided with a carrying strap 118. The tubular roll 111 may also be secured in a closed position and provided with the strap 118 as described further herein.

FIG. 1B shows another version of the hygienic case 102′ for use in another application. In this example, the hygienic case 102′ is used by a hospital worker (or trainer) 115 for treatment of a user (or patient) 110. The hygienic case 102′ in this example is similar to the hygienic case 102′, except that it is provided with disposable sheets 126 as described further herein.

As shown in stage I, the hygienic cases 102′ are rolled into tubular rolls 111′ and stored in storage tubes 116 on racks and withdrawn by the hospital worker 115 for use. In stage II, the hospital worker 115 unrolls the hygienic case 102′. The disposable sheets 126 are exposed and an outer sheet removed to provide a clean surface. The mat 104 is also removed from the hygienic case 102′ where the user side 112 a of the mat 104 has been stored against a clean side of the hygienic case as described in FIG. 1A. for use as shown in Stage III. When treatment is done, the new disposable sheet 126 is placed onto the user side of the mat 104 so that the disposable sheet 126 is isolates any potential contamination from the user 110. The hygienic case 102′ and the mat 104 may then be rolled as in FIG. 1A to form the tubular roll 111′.

While a specific mat 104 and use of the mat 104 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it will be appreciated that the hygienic case 102 may be used with a variety of mats on a variety of surfaces. For example, the mat may be a floor mat, padding, sleeping bag, play mat, fitness mat, towel, and/or other device used to cover a surface, such as a floor, bedding, seating, or other surfaces. Such mat may be used in indoor facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation, treatment centers, schools, daycares, nurseries, and/or other indoor locations, and/or at outdoor facilities, such as parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, back yards, and/or other outdoor locations.

Also, while the user 110 is depicted as an exerciser or patient, the user 110 may be a child, an adult, and/or another user. An operator, such as the hospital worker 115 or other employee of the facility where the mat 104 is used (e.g., trainer, nurse, doctor, etc.) may be charged with the duty to rolling, carrying, and/or storing the mats 104 after use.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show example integral and modular configurations, respectively, of the hygienic case 102, 102′ positioned on the mat 104. FIG. 2A shows the hygienic case 102 of FIG. 1 in greater detail. In this version, the hygienic case 102 is flat with the liner portion 114 a having a rectangular shape with dimensions width W by length L1. The liner portion 114 a has dimensions at least as large as the mat 104 such that the hygienic surface 115 a covers the user side 112 a of the mat 104. Optionally, the liner portion 114 a may be larger than the mat 104 to provide a border of material extending beyond a perimeter of the mat 104. By way of example, the length L1 may be about 68 inches (172.72 cm) and the width W may be about 24-25 inches (60.96-63.50 cm).

The cover 114 b is also depicted as a rectangular piece positioned at an end 220 of the liner portion 114 a. The cover 114 b may be an extension of the liner 114 a and may be made of the same material. In this version, the cover 114 b extends a length L2 from the end of the liner portion 114 a and is integral therewith. The length L2 may be, for example, about 18 inches (45.72 cm) and has the same width W as the liner 114 a. The cover 114 b may be of a variety of shapes and sizes capable of encircling or surrounding the tubular roll 111 (FIG. 1A) as is described further herein.

In the version of FIG. 2A, the liner 114 a and cover 114 b are depicted as being integrally formed for the same material. In the example of FIG. 2A, the material is a single layer of synthetic, polyester material capable of rolling up with the mat 104 to isolate the user side of the mat from contaminants and to protect it from damage.

The liner, 114 a, the cover 114 b, and/or the hygienic case 102 may be made of one or more materials capable of supporting, storing, carrying, and receiving the mat 104. The material(s) may include one or more layers and/or portions of the same or different materials. The material(s) may be provided with sufficient flexibility to roll with the mat 104 into the tubular roll 111. The material(s) may be, for example, a natural and/or man-made fabric made of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, elastomer, plastic, neoprene, moisture wicking, fitness, odor resistant, tarp, water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial, and/or other material. The material(s) may optionally be coated and/or treated with water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial, and/or other treatment. The material may optionally be machine and/or manually washable.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the hygienic case 102′ may be a multi-layer, modular device made of multiple materials. The liner 114 a and/or the cover 114 b of the hygienic case 102′ may be made of multiple layers, such as an inner layer defining the hygienic surface 115 a and an outer layer defining the contamination surface 115 b. Optionally, one or more of the layers may be made of one or more portions various materials. The one or more layers may define a thickness T of the liner 114 a and/or cover 114 b. Depending on the thickness of the material and the number of layers, the thickness may vary. By way of example, the thickness may be about 3 mm per layer.

In the version of FIG. 2B, the cover 114 b is removably connected to the end 220 of the liner 114 a by a cover fastener. In this example, the cover fastener is a zipper 222 a. One side of the zipper 222 a may be on the liner 114 a and the other side on the cover 114 b with the portions 114 a,b joinable by zipper action to connect the cover 114 b to the liner 114 a. A similar closure fastener 222 b may be provided at an end of the cover 114 b and an outer surface of the cover 114 b to close the cover 114 b about the tubular roll 111 as is described further herein. While the zippers 222 a,b are shown as the cover and closure fasteners, the fastener may be any device capable of securing the cover 114 b to the liner 114 a, such as hook-and-loop type connection, snaps, buttons, tie straps, etc.

The hygienic case 102′ is also shown with additional optional features including retainers 224 and/or liner sheets 126. The retainers 224 may be, for example, straps affixed to the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a to receive corners of the mat 104 and secure the mat 104 thereon. The retainers 224 may be, for example, elastomeric members sewn to the hygienic side of the liner. Other retainers, such as grippers, ties, adherents, belts, snaps, clips, or other devices capable of securing the mat 104 to the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a. The retainers 224 may be coupled to corresponding devices on the mat 104 for locking interaction therebetween.

The liner sheets 126 may be additional layers of material positioned adjacent to the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a. These liner sheets 126 may be layers of material removably attached to the hygienic surface 115 a and/or the contamination surface 115 b. The liner sheets 126 may be secured on one or more sides. As shown, the liner sheets 126 are secured at one end by a binder to support the liner sheets 126 in a stack for sequential use. Similar liner sheets 126 may also optionally be provided for the cover 114 b. These liner sheets 126 may be made of the same material as the liner 114 a and/or the liner 114 a, and removed for cleaning and/or replacement.

The liner sheets 126 may optionally be made of a disposable material, such as paper, cleaning cloth, or other material that may be discarded after use. The liner sheets 126 may provide the option for storage of mats on sanitary, disposable materials that may be discarded after each use and/or after buildup of contamination. Such sanitary use may be needed for sensitive users (e.g., patients etc.), contamination areas (e.g., locations with biohazards, etc.), and/or facilities (e.g., hospitals, treatment facilities, etc.) with increased sanitary needs.

FIGS. 3A-3C show additional views of the hygienic case 102, 102′ positioned for engagement with the mat 104. The hygienic case 102 of FIG. 3A is positioned with the liner 114 a over the mat 104 so that the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a receives the user side 112 a of the mat 104. The hygienic case 102′ of FIG. 3B is positioned with the disposable sheets 126 on the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a over the mat 104 so that the liner sheets 126 engage the user side 112 a of the mat 104.

FIG. 3C shows the mat 104 being rolled with the liner 114 a into the tubular roll 111. The mat 104 and liner 114 a are rolled in a direction of roll as indicated by the arrows. In this example, the liner 114 a has a shape that conforms to the shape of the mat 104, with the cover 114 b extended from an edge of the mat 104 and the liner 114 a. The tubular roll 111 may continue to roll so that the mat 104 is completely encased in the liner 114 a. In this position, the user side 112 a of the mat 104 is isolated and protected within the tubular roll 111.

The tubular roll 111 may also continue to roll so that the mat 104 and liner 114 a are completely encircled by the cover 114 b, thereby further isolating and protecting the mat 104 and the liner 114 a. The outer surface of the tubular roll 111 (between opposite ends) are covered by the cover 114 b. The ends of the tubular roll 111 are shown as being open, but optionally may be closed as is described further herein.

While the tubular roll 111 is depicted as a cylindrical shaped assembly of the liner 114 a, cover 114 b, and the mat 104 (with or without sheets 126), the mat 104 may be folded or otherwise combined with the hygienic case 101 to isolate the user side of the mat 104 within the hygienic case 102.

FIGS. 4A-5B show examples of hygienic cases 402, 502 with the liners 114 a and covers 414 b, 514 b. The covers 414 b, 514 b have been modified to cover ends of the tubular roll 411, 511, and encase the mat 104 and the liner 114 a. FIG. 4A shows a draw string configuration and FIG. 4B shows a snap configuration, but any type of closure mechanism may be used, such as zippers, clips, and other fasteners. The fastener 522 joining the liner portion 114 a and the cover portion 414 b is depicted as a VELCRO® fastener, but could be any fastener.

In the version of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cover 414 b has an extended width W′ that is wider than the width W of the liner 114 a. The cover 414 b is centered about the liner 114 a such that the cover 414 b is wider by an extension E on each side of the liner 114 a. The mat 104 may be rolled with the liner 114 a and the cover 414 b to form the tubular roll 411 in a similar manner as in FIG. 3C. In this case, the extension E may extend beyond each end of the tubular roll 411. The extension E may be sized to cover the ends of the tubular roll 411.

The cover 414 b is provided with draw strings 424 at each end thereof. The draw strings 424 may be cords, laces, strings, or other material that is secured at an end of the cover 414 b. The cover 414 b may have a seam 426 to receive the draw strings 424 therethrough. Once the mat 104 is rolled with the liner into the tubular roll 411, the draw strings 424 may be pulled to close the ends of the tubular roll 411 as shown in FIG. 4B. The draw strings 424 may be tied to secure the ends of the cover in the closed position. The draw string 424 may have an aglet at an end thereof to facilitate operation of the draw strings 424.

The version of FIGS. 5A and 5B is similar to the version of FIG. 4A, except that the cover 514 b has a configuration. In this version, the cover 514 b has mated snaps 524 located along each end. Once the mat 104 is rolled with the liner 114 a and cover 514 b to form the tubular roll 511, the snaps 524 at the ends of the cover 514 b are united to secure the ends of the cover 514 b in the closed position about the tubular roll 511.

FIGS. 6A-9B show various example of hygienic cases with straps 118. The straps 118 may be positioned at various locations about the cover 114 b and/or may be adjustable for comfort of the user (e.g., 110 of FIG. 1). The strap 118 may be secured (e.g., sewn, coupled, etc.) to the cover 114 b. The strap 118 may be of varying dimension (e.g., thickness) to accommodate the user 110.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the hygienic case 102 of FIGS. 2A and/or 3A in an open and a closed position with the strap 118 positioned thereon. As also shown in these views, the cover fastener 222 b 1, 222 b 2 are positioned on the cover 114 b such that, when the liner 114 a and the mat 104 are rolled together into the cover 114 b, the cover 114 b may encircle the mat 104 and liner 114 a to form the tubular roll 111. In this position, the cover fasteners 222 b 1, 222 b 2 come together and may be affixed together to secure the tubular roll 111 in the closed position. In this example, the cover fastener 222 b 1,b 2 includes mated portions of a zipper that may be zipped together when the cover 114 b is enclosed about the tubular roll 111. Once secured in the closed position, the strap 118 may be used to carry the tubular roll 111.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the hygienic case 102′ of FIGS. 2B and/or 3B in an opened and closed position with the strap 118 and end caps 830. This version is similar to the version of FIGS. 6A and 6B, except that the liner 114 a is provided with disposable sheets 126 on an inner surface thereof, and removable endcaps 830 on each end of the tubular roll 111′ as shown. The removable endcaps 830 may be covers made of the same material as the liner 114 a and/or cover 114 b, or another material. For example, the endcaps 830 may be plastic covers positioned about each end of the tubular roll 111′. The endcaps 830 may be secured by gripping engagement with the tubular roll 111′, or by the fasteners as described herein. When used with a storage case 116 as in FIG. 1A, the endcaps 830 may be made of a material that secures to the storage case 116 with or without fasteners (e.g., grips, interference fit, clips, etc.)

FIGS. 8A and 8B are similar to the hygienic case 102′ of FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this version, the hygienic case 102′ is provided with a pocket 832 positioned on the cover 114 b. The pocket 832 is shown on an exterior of the tubular roll 111′ and the cover 114 b, but may be located at various positions about the hygienic case 102′. This version also shows some additional options. For example, the disposable sheets 126 are shown secured to an end of the liner 114 a by a binder 834. The disposable sheets 126 may be torn from the binder 834 as they are used to reveal a new disposable sheet 126. In another example, the cover fastener 822 b is depicted as including hook 822 b 2 and mated eye 822 b 1.

Multiple hooks 822 b 2 are positioned along one end 220 of the cover 114 b and the mated eyes 822 b 1 are positioned on another end of the cover 114 b. The eyes 822 b 1 and hooks 822 b 2 come together when the mat 104 and liner 114 a are rolled into the tubular roll 111′ and encircled by the cover 114 b. Once the cover 114 b is positioned around the tubular roll 111′, the hooks 822 b 2 may interlockingly engage the eyes 822 b 1.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views of the tubular roll 111 with VELCRO® fasteners 922 b 1,b 2. The cover 114 b encircles the tubular roll 111 so that the loop portion of the VELCRO® fasteners 922 b 1 engage the with the hook portion of the VELCRO® fasteners 922 b 2 to secure the cover in the closed position about the tubular roll 111. As also shown by FIG. 9B, the tubular roll 111 may be placed in the tube 116 and carried by strap 118 secured to the tube 116. The tube may have a cover 916 as shown to encase the tubular roll 111 therein. While the tubular roll 111 is shown in the tube 116, and of the tubular rolls herein may be carried in the tube 116.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a method 1000 of protecting a mat. The method 1000 may be used with the hygienic cases herein. The method 1000 involves 1040—providing a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and a cover portion, 1042—positioning a hygienic surface of the liner portion on a user side of the mat, 1044—isolating the user side of the mat by: 1046—rolling the liner portion with the mat therein into a tubular roll, 1048—encircling the tubular roll with the cover portion by continuing rolling the tubular portion into the cover portion, and 1050 fastening the cover portion about the tubular roll.

The method may also involve removably positioning disposable sheets between the liner portion and the mat, unrolling the tubular roll and removing the mat, and storing the tubular roll in a storage case (e.g., tube). The method may be performed in any order, and repeated as desired.

In an example of intended use as shown by FIG. 1, participants of camp-style workouts may occur in outdoor environments. Yoga/pilates mats 104 may be utilized on grass, concrete, and/or other surfaces. A common complaint of users is that contamination, such as grass, dirt, or debris, regularly dirties the user (top, clean) side 112 a of the mat 104 as it is rolled up following use.

The hygienic case 102 may eliminate transfer of grass, dirt, and debris from the bottom side 112 b of the mat 104 to the top side 112 a by use of the liner 114 a which covers the entire surface of the user (top) side 112 a of the mat 104. As the mat 104 is rolled up, the bottom side 112 b of the mat 104 only comes into contact with the liner 114 a, keeping the user (top) side 112 a of the mat 104 clean.

In an example configuration, the hygienic case may be in the form of a yoga/pilates mat liner and cover with carrying strap consists of a continuous swath of fabric that measures the width of the mat and length that covers the entire length of the mat, plus an additional distance past the end of the mat which will serve as the outer cover (see 114 b of FIG. 2A). Actual dimensions may depend on the size of the yoga/pilates mat and its thickness. For illustration purposes, a mat with a standard length L1 of 68 inches (172.72 cm)×width W of 24 inches (60.96 cm)×depth D of 3 mm may be used. At the intersection of the liner and outer cover (see 220 of FIG. 6A) of the outside face, one half of a self-separating zipper will be attached (see 222 b 1 of FIG. 6A). The other half of the zipper attaches at the end of the cover (see 222 b 2 of FIG. 6A) also on the outside face. An adjustable carrying strap may be attached on the outside face of the cover, on opposite sides of the width, close to the zipper (see 118 of FIG. 6A).

To use the device, the inside face of the liner is laid face up along the yoga/pilates mat (see 114 a and 112 b of FIG. 3A). The attached cover portion will extend face down past the end of the mat (see 114 b of FIG. 3A). To close the cover, user will roll the mat with the liner on top from the opposite ends towards the end with the attached cover (see FIG. 3C). As the user reaches the end of the yoga/pilates mat, the user will continue rolling the mat over the outside portion of the mat until roll meets the end of the cover, at which point the zippers align and the user zippers the cover shut (see FIG. 6B). An adjustable carry strap is in place for convenient transport.

To unroll, the user simply unzips the outer cover, and unrolls the liner and cover, placing them aside while mat is in user. The liner and cover may consist of a washable fabric.

Approximate dimension of yoga/pilates mat liner with cover for a standard 68 inches (172.72 cm) L1×24 inches (60.96 cm) W×3 mm D are shown in FIG. 1. Dimensions for mats of varying length, width and depth will be similar to shown, but add or subtract to account for the difference in inches and mat thickness.

The above description is illustrative of the preferred embodiment and many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure whose scope is to be determined from the literal and equivalent scope of the claims that follow.

While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible, such as various combinations of the features and/or methods described herein.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claim(s) herein, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional invention is reserved. Although a very narrow claim may be presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim(s). Broader claims may be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of protecting an exercise mat after use on a surface containing contaminants, the method comprising: obtaining a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and a cover portion, the hygienic case independent of and isolated from the exercise mat while the exercise mat is in use, the liner portion including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and one or more layers, the one or more layers having a hygienic surface on a first side and a contamination surface on a second side, the liner portion sized to at least the dimensions of the exercise mat and the cover portion attached to the first end of the liner portion; positioning the hygienic surface of a first layer of the one or more layers of the liner portion to overlay a user side of the exercise mat while a bottom side of the mat opposite the user side is in contact with a surface containing at least one contaminant, the cover portion extending beyond the user side; isolating the user side of the mat from the at least one contaminant associated with the bottom side of the exercise mat by: rolling the liner portion from the second end with the exercise mat therein to form a tubular roll, wherein the bottom side of the exercise mat is prevented from contacting the user side of the mat, at least in part, because the first layer remains between the user side and the bottom side within the tubular roll and the contamination surface contacts the bottom side.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more layers includes a plurality of layers; and further comprising: removing one layer of the plurality of layers of the liner portion prior to performing the positioning, wherein the one layer that is removed has a contaminated contamination surface caused by a prior rolling.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more layers of the liner portion sequentially provide, upon removal of a used layer, protection via exposure of a new contamination layer.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: encircling the formed tubular roll with the cover portion by continuing rolling the formed tubular roll onto the cover portion.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: fastening the cover portion about the tubular roll using a fastener integrated with the cover portion.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein fastening the cover portion comprises securing the cover portion using one of a zipper, adjacent hook and loop fabrics, straps, snaps, ties, or a combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the cover portion is wider than the liner portion and in addition to encircling the formed tubular roll, the fastening of the cover portion includes encasing the ends of the tubular roll within the cover portion.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein encasing the ends of the tubular roll includes utilizing draw strings to pull together edges of the cover portion.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: attaching the cover portion to the liner portion using a liner fastener prior to positioning the hygienic surface of a first layer.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the liner fastener comprises a zipper.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more layers of the liner portion include a plurality of disposable sheets.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the cover portion has lateral edges to cover ends of the tubular roll after forming of the tubular roll via the rolling.
 13. A method of protecting an exercise mat after outdoor use, the method comprising: completing an outdoor exercise program using an exercise mat lying on an outdoor surface, a user side of the exercise mat facing up and a bottom side of the exercise mat in contact with the outdoor surface; retrieving a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and a cover portion, the liner portion including a first end to which the cover portion is attached and a second end opposite the first end, the liner portion including one or more layers with each of the one or more layers having a hygienic surface and a contamination surface opposite the hygienic surface; positioning the hygienic case such that the hygienic surface of a first layer of the one or more layers of the liner portion covers and is in direct contact with the user side of the exercise mat while a contamination surface of a second layer of the liner portion is facing upward from the outdoor surface; rolling the liner portion, beginning at the first end, with the exercise mat therein to form a tubular roll, wherein, upon rolling, the contamination surface of the second layer isolates the user side of the exercise mat from contaminants associated with the bottom side of the exercise mat through direct contact of the contamination surface with the bottom side.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the outdoor surface comprises grass and dirt.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the outdoor surface comprises concrete or a decking material.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein, prior to positioning the hygienic case, a previously used second layer having a previously used contamination surface is removed to expose a new contamination surface.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein, prior to positioning the hygienic case, a previously used first layer is removed to expose a new hygienic surface.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more layers of the liner portion include a plurality of disposable sheets.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: fastening the cover portion about the tubular roll using a fastener integrated with the cover portion.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cover portion is wider than the liner portion and in addition to encircling the formed tubular roll, the fastening of the cover portion includes encasing the ends of the tubular roll within the cover portion. 